Blog

Discovering the Hidden World of Lichens in the Great Smoky Mountains There’s something magical about walking through the misty valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As the fog lifts and sunlight filters through the ancient trees, a hidden world reveals itself—one that I’ve been fortunate to explore and write about for years. While […]

Summer Travel Rush Still Strong at Atlanta Airport Despite Drop in International Tourists As I stroll through the Great Smoky Mountains on a crisp summer morning, I can’t help but think about the ebb and flow of travelers across our beautiful country. While international tourism numbers might be down nationally, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)

Dollywood Safety Incident: Employee Injury Raises Concerns Ahead of 2025 Season As someone who’s been exploring and writing about the Smoky Mountains for years, I’ve always had a soft spot for Dollywood. This beloved attraction has been the crown jewel of Pigeon Forge, bringing joy to countless families including my own. However, recent news has

Newfound Gap Road Rehabilitation Begins: 7-Mile Stretch Under Construction in Great Smoky Mountains As someone who’s been exploring the winding roads of the Great Smoky Mountains for over a decade, I’ve got some important news for fellow park enthusiasts and travelers. This Monday marked the beginning of a significant rehabilitation project on one of the

Discovering the Hidden World of Lichens in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park As I stepped onto the damp forest trail early this morning, the fog still clinging to the ancient trees of the Smokies, I couldn’t help but notice the splashes of color adorning the rocks and bark around me. These weren’t wildflowers or

Newfound Gap Road Rehabilitation: What Great Smoky Mountains Visitors Need to Know As someone who’s spent years exploring every trail and vista in the Smokies, I get excited about any improvements to this natural treasure. The latest news is bound to impact both locals and visitors alike: a significant upgrade is coming to one of

Preserving History: The Hidden Treasures of Great Smoky Mountains National Park There’s something magical about standing in the misty valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains, knowing you’re surrounded by not just natural beauty, but layers of human history stretching back centuries. I’ve spent countless hours exploring these ancient mountains, and each visit reveals something new

Hidden Gems: Discovering the Smoky Mountains Beyond the Tourist Trail The Great Smoky Mountains offer far more than what meets the eye along the busy strips of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. As someone who’s spent years exploring these misty peaks and hidden valleys, I’ve discovered that the true magic of the Smokies often lies just

Newfound Gap Road Rehabilitation: 7-Mile Stretch Undergoing Major Improvements As I woke up to the misty morning views of the Smokies today, I couldn’t help but feel excited about sharing some important news that will affect both locals and visitors to our beloved Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Starting Monday, July 14, one of the